195 Men: Britain's Worst Rapist Manchester Evening News

As a summary piece of less than 45 minutes, this provides a basic outline of the criminal history, court cases and sentencing. Due deference is made to survivors’ feelings and the interaction of police and other agencies. There is no sensationalistic aspect thank goodness. However, it cannot be described as the full story but will inform those unfamiliar with the horrific nature of these crimes. Professionally put together and it would be great to have more from the aptly named MEN team.

This is such an important story, so it’s good that it’s being told, but the way it’s being told could have been better... from the grating mispronunciation of the main character’s name to the whispering voice-over... as a listener you’ll just have to grin and bear it, keep your finger on that volume button and accept that even then you will probably miss bits because often the music used is too loud compared to the voices speaking at the same time.

In a world of complex yet compelling stories told well in the podcast format this is a deeply disappointing example.
An important and timely story about predatory male rape within the vibrant gay "Village" of Manchester featuring an enigmatic yet terrifying individual is lightly dealt with. It comes across less likely a deep dive into a fascinating story than a puff piece for Greater Manchester Police. I was left wondering if the motivation for this podcast was more about the Manchester Evening News fostering positive relations with their local police force than with telling a good story.
A missed opportunity that hopefully someone else will take up and do justice.